(Phoenix, Ariz. – September 15, 2005) Do you have tax returns from 1992? Haven’t bought that shredder you have been meaning to buy? Bring your personal papers to Tucson’s Armory Park Senior Center and join Attorney General Terry Goddard for a shred a thon and ID theft presentation. This event will be held Saturday, September 24 from 2-4 p.m.

Goddard and AARP Arizona will host a Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft presentation. The program includes a large shredding truck for Tucson residents who have old bills, tax returns, medical records and other documents that need shredding. The Arizona Shredding Company has donated one of its shredding trucks for this event. Tucson residents are encouraged to bring boxes of their old papers for shredding.

“ID theft is a crime of convenience, and thieves look for the easiest way to lift someone’s identity,” said Attorney General Terry Goddard. “Mail is one of the easiest ways to steal an identity. Shredding documents is a quick and easy way to protect yourself from becoming an ID theft victim.”

Currently, Arizona ranks No. 1 in the country for identity theft. This program will provide residents with information and tips to protect themselves from becoming ID theft victims.

“Many people don’t realize that bits and pieces of their personal information can be a gold mine to an identity thief,” said David Mitchell, AARP Arizona State Director. In fact, a person’s name, address and phone number may be all that’s needed to commit fraud and damage a person’s good name or credit.”